Sandra,
I didn't mean to imply I was insulted.... just had to get in a vote for the Pilot as most beautiful bike
. They are both great looking bikes
And, in the end, riding comfort and performance trumps paint job. I rode a Trek 1000 that that had the flame-looking paint job and I loved the paint, but the bike wasn't nearly as comfortable as the Trek. Plus, my helmet matched the Pilot...
You're lucky to have a DH who understands the need for a good bike. Mine (the same one who is drooling over a $15,000 motorcycle on EBay as we speak) has thrown a few jabs my way about the $$ invested in my bike.
Thanks for the mirror link -- it's in my shopping cart.
Oh, and about the paint -- DH said I would make it look worse if I tried to touch it up. I put clear nail polish on it. I may ask the bike shop for their recommendations.
Happy riding!
"I learned what every dreaming child needs to know - no horizon is so far that you cannot see above or beyond it." -- Beryl Markham, Aviation Pioneer